FIREFIGHTERS in Cheshire face an uncertain future if proposed changes for next year go ahead, according to union officials.

Under current regulations the longest period someone could potentially work in the fire service is 37 years, but under government proposals new recruits will have to work for 40 years to qualify for a full pension.

Also it has been suggested the current standard retirement age of 50 will be increased to 60 prompting fears that such lengthy active service will put firefighters and the public at risk.

David Williams, secretary of Cheshire FBU, said: 'Cheshire were represented at our annual conference earlier this year and that was the first time we saw the consultation document with the proposed changes.

'We were asked for a ballot on industrial action against these proposals.

'There doesn't appear to have been any movement since then and fire-fighters are extremely unhappy at proposals which will worsen conditions, particularly for our serving members.'

Under the proposals existing firefighters can stay in their current scheme but will have to work until at least 55 from the year 2013.

Mr Williams added: 'The issue that worries me the most is raising the retirement age for an operational firefighter. The standard of fitness that firefighters have to achieve would put a great deal of strain on someone approaching 60.

60. I know that it has been suggested that there would be other work they could do but suitable roles like fire safety officer have been disappearing.'

Mr Williams, a fire-fighter in Winsford, has been with the service for 26 years. He said: 'I have loved my time in the fire service but if a youngster asked for my advice on joining up I would have to explain the problems with job security and pensions. I think many of them will be persuaded to choose a different occupation that gives them a better chance of completing their career and going on to a full pension'